Australia’s sugar milling industry has been a cornerstone of regional communities for more than a century, producing over four million tonnes of raw sugar each year and supporting thousands of jobs. But as global markets shift, climate pressures mount, and the local workforce ages, mill operators are under increasing pressure to attract, train and retain the right people to keep operations running smoothly.
A vital industry driving regional economies
Australia is the world’s third largest exporter of raw sugar, with around 24 sugar mills operating along the Queensland coast alone, from Mossman in the north to Mackay and beyond. The industry produces about 85% of the nation’s sugar supply and generates roughly $2 billion in export earnings annually.
Beyond the economic value, sugar milling sustains about 16,000 direct and indirect jobs, making it a critical employer for many regional towns and communities.
Trends and challenges shaping the workforce
Like many regional industries, Australia’s sugar mills are navigating a set of emerging challenges:
- An ageing workforce: More than 30% of sugar mill workers are approaching retirement age, creating the risk of significant skills loss over the next decade.
- Seasonal workforce pressures: Each harvest and crush season calls for reliable teams of experienced operators, engineers and tradespeople to meet production demands.
- Skills shortages: Qualified mechanical fitters, electricians, process operators and maintenance staff are increasingly in demand, with many competing offers across agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
- Global competition: As mill owners invest in modernising their operations, the need for skilled labour continues to grow but so does competition for talent.
What mill operators need to succeed
Staying competitive means having the right people in the right roles when and where they’re needed. Today’s mill operators and HR leaders need:
- Reliable sourcing of trade-qualified workers and mill engineers.
- Immigration pathways to secure overseas skills where local supply is tight.
- Workforce planning that balances seasonal peaks with long-term retention.
- Practical support for compliance, onboarding and settlement, particularly for workers relocating to regional communities.
How we support the sugar milling sector to thrive
For over 25 years, we’ve supported Australian industries to find, secure and retain skilled trades and technical professionals. Our experience includes:
- Sourcing qualified fitters, boilermakers, electricians and process operators – both locally and globally.
- Managing complex migration processes through our team of Registered Migration Agents.
- Providing wrap-around support so new workers feel at home and stay longer.
- Working side by side with mill owners, operations managers and HR teams to plan for future workforce needs.
Get the workforce you need
If you’re a mill owner, operations manager or HR leader facing skills shortages or workforce gaps, we’re here to help. Talk to us about sourcing, recruiting and retaining the people you need to keep your mill running at full capacity both now and into the future.
